6 Menopause Nursing Care Plans

Menopause is the cessation of menstruation. It results from a complex syndrome of physiologic changes caused by declining ovarian function. It occurs when the loss of ovarian function results in the permanent termination of menstrual periods. The transitional period leading up to this irreversible event is called the climacteric and is characterized by the decline in the number of ovarian follicles, which also becomes less responsive to gonadotropic hormonal stimulation, and by the decrease of estrogen production by the ovaries until there is not enough to cause the endometrium to grow and shed.

Nursing management of menopause is symptomatic. Estrogen replacement therapy is the most advantageous treatment for symptoms, but it’s not suitable for all patients as it has some adverse effects and risks.

Assess presence of impotence, dyspareunia, feelings of inadequacy, or fear of sexual function and failure.

Changes related to aging, such as slower arousal time, reduced lubrication of the vagina, and atrophy of the vaginal lining, results in painful intercourse, may be responsible for sexual problems. Chronic illness compromise sexual functioning due to fear of recurrence of symptoms.

Provides information in establishing a baseline for teaching the plan of care. Most patients are hesitant to discuss incontinence thus a non-judgemental attitude may assist the patient to be less embarrassed and discuss the problem openly.

Identify patient’s current medication and evaluate medical regimen for drugs that could contribute to incontinence.

Diuretics, CNS depressants, and anticholinergics may all cause urinary incontinence and may require medication alteration or change.

Provide patient with pads or leak-proof undergarments as appropriate.

Prevents patient embarrassment by spoiling or wetting of clothing.

Administer estrogens are ordered.

Estrogen loss during menopause affects the muscles that help maintain continence of urine. During perimenopause, the patient’s well-vascularized urethral mucosa is lost, resulting in loss of resistance to urinary flow and causing incontinence.

Matt Vera is a registered nurse with a bachelor of science in nursing since 2009 and is currently working as a full-time writer and editor for Nurseslabs. During his time as a student, he knows how frustrating it is to cram on difficult nursing topics and finding help online is near to impossible. His situation drove his passion for helping student nurses through the creation of content and lectures that is easy to digest. Knowing how valuable nurses are in delivering quality healthcare but limited in number, he wants to educate and inspire students in nursing. As a nurse educator since 2010, his goal in Nurseslabs is to simplify the learning process, breakdown complicated topics, help motivate learners, and look for unique ways of assisting students in mastering core nursing concepts effectively.

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